“Just in time” – Fans react as Dave Roberts announces Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s return to lineup

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to join the Dodgers in their game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, as per Dave Roberts.

“Just in time” – Fans react as Dave Roberts announces Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s return to lineup

Yoshinobu Yamamoto [Image Credit: Imago]

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to join the lineup on Tuesday for their game against the Chicago Cubs. Manager Dave Roberts recently talked about how they can no longer wait for him to play a couple more games with the Triple-A Oklahoma City as the regular season is nearing its end.

Yamamoto has had only two outings with the minor league team for his rehab start after getting sidelined with a triceps injury on June 16. Dave Roberts previously indicated that it could be a rotator cuff strain, which sent the pitcher to IL for three months. He has yet to play in the big league since then.

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His inclusion in the LA Dodgers lineup will be crucial for the October games, and it’ll also provide Yamamoto and the team the time to adjust in the big league once again. With only a limited amount of games remaining, the Dodgers are hoping to set him on the diamond for at least three innings to get his form back. 

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It would’ve been better if the Japanese pitcher got a bit more time in his rehab games, but the clock is already indicating the end of the regular season games. His addition will undoubtedly provide a boost for the injury-plagued LA rotation.

I think the stuff will be there. I’m not sure about how the command is going to be. So I think the way we’re looking at it is we’re going to get four starts from him, and if we can log four starts and build up volume, we’ll be ready to go beyond that.
Dave Roberts as per Juan Toribio of MLB.com.

The injuries to Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw have devastated the Dodgers. Although it’s not confirmed, Glasnow is expected to return to the lineup this month since getting sidelined on 11 August.

On the other hand, Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller are still struggling to keep up their form. Apart from them, a couple more pitchers are out of the lineup with long-term injuries. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s return can provide a spark to the team’s playoff dream.

Social media reacts to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s update

Last December, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed a $325 million deal with the 26-year-old pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He’s had a strong start to the season and filled up the hole the team was lacking. 

Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Image via LA Times)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Image via LA Times)

Unfortunately, he had to be registered to the IL, and the team is now hoping to get a boost with his rejoining. Dave Roberts said he has high expectations from the pitcher and what he’ll be able to provide will be crucial for the team’s future.

One X user noted, “Just in time for October baseball.” While another added, “This is huge for the Dodgers.” Check out some more fan reactions:

Despite the injury-ridden Dodgers lineup, the team has stood tall, securing a playoff position through the help of Jack Flaherty and Gavin Stone. The team is currently led by their power duo Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

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